HI HB2539

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 to increase Medicaid in-home services reimbursement rates, with the Department of Human Services required to obtain maximum available federal matching funds.

Addresses findings that 65% of Hawaii residents age 45+ are concerned about aging in place and 83% consider it important to remain in their homes, with in-home care being significantly more cost-effective than institutional nursing facilities.

References a December 30, 2022 rate study by actuarial firm Milliman showing direct care worker wages for in-home services fell below the 25th percentile of federal labor statistics for comparable positions, indicating wage pressure in Hawaii's competitive labor market.

Declares that the appropriation will exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 and meets constitutional requirements for exceeding that ceiling as necessary to serve the public interest.

Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (apparent clerical error in the bill text).